Redemption

The night we were married, beneath the stained glass, is one of the best memories I’ve ever had. I will never forget Keira’s beauty, bravery, and dignity in that moment when she agreed to become the wife of the most terrifying man she’d ever met. She truly is a queen among women.

Every day, I work to become worthy of her. Someday, perhaps I’ll succeed. But I haven’t yet

“Undoubtedly, you would have faced the same fate, but God spared you. You can still create life. Perhaps that is why you were taken from us. So you would still be able to hold your perfect daughter in your arms.”

Fate isn’t something I spend much time thinking about, but with Marco’s revelation, I’m nearly leveled by what might have been.

If I hadn’t been kidnapped, I wouldn’t have everything that matters most to me in my life. I inhale a sharp breath. My hand cups the dark curls crowning my daughter’s head. Silently, as I fight the tears welling at the thought, the words thank you burst through my mind. Thank you for making me a father. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I could never have anticipated where life was going to take me as a result of the debt he said I owed him. I thought my life was ending, but in truth, it was just beginning.

I wouldn’t trade any of it to go back to who I was or the life I used to live.

Every single thing that I value most came out of what seemed like the worst thing to ever happen to me.

It’s a fact that’s never far from my mind. It’s the reason I live life differently now. It’s the reason I didn’t lose my mind when I had to walk away from everything tonight with almost no notice.

I trust that life is leading us where we need to go. It hasn’t let me down yet, even during those moments when all hope seemed lost.

“I understand,” I say, lifting my chin as I breathe through my nose. My entire body leans toward him, as though drawn like a magnet. “I’ll pack our things. We’ll be ready quickly.”

My husband yanks me against his chest, and his arms lock around me. “My brave, fierce wife. I didn’t know it was possible to love anyone as much as I love you.”

I snake my arms around him and squeeze him as tightly as I can. I know he won’t break. Not my husband. He’s strength personified.

“Whatever happens next, we go together. That’s all I ask. We go together. Don’t send me and Rory away from you.”

His arms tighten their grip around my body as he whispers into my hair, “We go together, Hellion. We go together. That much I can promise you right now.”

Lachlan presses a kiss to my lips. “I love you more than life itself,” he whispers as his forehead rests against mine. “Thank you for being so strong. I swear that I will spend the rest of my life making this up to you.”

I bury my fingers in his silver-threaded black hair. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it. That’s what we do.”

As he pulls away, he presses a kiss to my forehead. “I don’t deserve you, but you’re mine forever, Hellion.” His words are barely above a whisper.

“Always. No matter what,” I say, concern rising as I take in the serious set of his features.

I grind my teeth together. “My patience is wearing thin, but I trust you. Do whatever you need to do and then come home to me and our daughter. Otherwise, I’ll be the one you need to fear. Do you understand me?”

“My fierce, beautiful wife. What did I do to deserve you?”

“You blackmailed and extorted me.”

He laughs. “Someday, I’ll make that up to you.”

“You already have. Go do what you need to do and then get your ass back here. We have a lot to talk about after this.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can. I promise, Hellion. I love you. Give my baby girl a kiss from me.”

“I will. I love you too.” As soon as I finish whispering the words, the call ends.

Maybe it’s not falling apart. Maybe it’s falling together.”